Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum, center, made a good impression early this season, but his game has been bogged down by turnovers and mental mistakes.

Written by

John Glennon
The Tennessean

When forward Austin Watson made his debut for the Predators over the weekend, it meant four of the team's five most recent first-round picks had seen time on the NHL level this year.

But that doesn't necessarily mean all are progressing at the same rate or that all have what it takes to be standouts at the top level.

One recent Nashville first-rounder was hurt just as he appeared ready to take a significant step in his development, two others have had up-and-down seasons and yet another probably has played his last game as a member of the Predators organization. ...